| Comment Number: | OL-10510796 |
| Received: | 3/16/2005 12:05:03 PM |
| Subject: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| Title: | National Security Personnel System |
| CFR Citation: | 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Staffing and Employment, Subpart E - 9901.516 I would like to suggest an addendum to this section for civilian transfers due to hardship. I make this suggestion based on a conversation I had with a fellow employee. This particular employee has a spouse with early-onset Alzheimers. He made a comment that he can't possibly be mentally "Fit for Life" because of the impact the health of his spouse has on him. This employee was geographically relocated when Kelly Air Force Base closed in 1998. This week, he had to take his wife, who requires constant supervision, back to San Antonio so that a family member can care for her. His wife's condition can deteriorate due to this separation because victim's of Alzheimer's must maintain some level of consistency and familiarization in their surroundings and routines. His wife is in a constant state of anxiety due to this separation, which no doubt creates a increased level of stress for my coworker. This person recently received directorate-level recognition for his outstanding work performance and team contributions. My suggestion would be that NSPS include a program within the statutes that address employee transfer for reasons of extreme hardship. Understandably, the criteria should be stringent to preclude abuse. The military has a similar program. This coworker told me that if there was a program and he could apply, even if he was not chosen, he would benefit from the existence of such a program and understanding the criteria. From a management perspective, the performance of the employee will be enhanced by sheer peace of mind of knowing he is moments away in the event of an emergency. The separation that my coworker is enduring is not for a matter of convenience, it's a matter of life and death. Implementing this program will improve the Air Force mission by providing additional support for extenuating circumstance to one of our own. Thank you for your consideration of my suggestion.